Ergonomics of camera gear refer to the handling properties of the equipment. Grips, buttons, switches, screens, and viewfinders are all elements of a given camera system’s ergonomic components. Due to the specialized nature of dental imaging and the need for artificial illumination, camera flashes are also an ergonomic consideration. Ring flashes (Fig. 1) place the camera flash at the end of the lens, provide even illumination, and generally do not interfere with any controls or contact points during dental camera operation. One drawback to these flashes is their limited adjustability in positioning.
Camera ergonomics
Fig. 1:
In comparison, dual point flashes mounted on adjustable, dental-specific brackets (Fig. 2) can be positioned at varying distances from the lens center. This allows the clinician to position the flashes either close to the lens midline (Fig. 3) or farther apart from the lens (Fig. 4), which alters the highlight position in the captured image.
Fig. 2:
Fig. 3:
Fig. 4:
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Adjusting the flash position can enhance surface topography reproduction and move specular highlights to different areas of teeth (Fig. 5).
Fig. 5a:
Fig. 5b:
Fig. 5a
Fig. 5b
Modifying flash brackets
In some situations, using a flash bracket can become cumbersome, as the arms may impinge on the hand positions of the clinician. In this situation, adjusting the arm position can help, however modifying the bracket itself may be necessary. Several flash bracket manufacturers have developed curved bracket arms to hold wireless dual-point flashes (Fig. 6). While these can have good utility, the arms may still need to be reversed when positioned close to the camera body to provide more space for the clinician.
Fig. 6:
The following video demonstrates the straightforward process of removing the screws, holding the arms in place and rotating them 180 degrees to provide more space for the clinician’s hands.
Each camera has different ergonomics, and each clinician can optimize controls and contact points to some degree. This is an example of one modification that can be easily accomplished to create more space for handling the camera. Any modification that improves operator comfort or accuracy in a clinical or laboratory setting can make a positive impact to obtain better outcomes.